As the latest episode of Taylor Sheridan’s hit series 1923 unfolds, “Only Gunshots to Guide Us” shifts its attention away from Jacob (Harrison Ford) and Cara Dutton (Helen Mirren). Instead, it focuses on the next generation of Duttons, particularly those who are not staying in Paradise Valley for the winter.
Spencer (Brandon Sklenar) and Alex (Julia Schlaepfer) continue their separate but intertwined journeys, each drawing closer to Montana. However, the dangers they face along the way present greater threats than they may have anticipated.
Also Read: ‘1923’ Season 2 Episode 4 Recap: A Battle for Survival and Power
A Critical Mission in West Texas
In Texas, a cattle drive moves directly through town, catching the attention of Father Renaud (Sebastian Roché), who watches from the roadside. “What fresh hell is this?” he asks as Marshal Kent (Jamie McShane) talks with Anders (C. Thomas Howell), seeking information about Teonna Rainwater (Aminah Nieves).
Kent holds deeply prejudiced views and compares Teonna and other Native Americans who resist assimilation to something less than human. “We’ve given them every opportunity to embrace the modern age,” Kent argues, insisting that Teonna has deliberately chosen her fate.
Anders initially refuses to trust Kent, denying any knowledge of Teonna’s whereabouts. However, when Father Renaud joins the conversation, he labels Teonna as inherently evil. He insists that evil acts without reason, shaping the narrative to fit his own prejudices.
Anders eventually admits that Teonna and her companions had been in his care, but he claims he no longer knows where they are. Following Anders’ account, Kent tracks their movements to the Amarillo Fairgrounds, where a new trail emerges.
Further north, Teonna, Runs His Horse (Michael Spears), and Pete Plenty Clouds (Jeremy Gauna) push forward with plans to head west before cutting south toward Mexico. Pete, assuming no one will be searching for him, leaves the group temporarily in search of water.
Teonna feels uncertain about their chances of success, recalling that historical figures like Chief Joseph and Geronimo were unable to escape the U.S. government’s reach. However, her father remains hopeful. He believes that because they no longer have a community to protect, their path to freedom remains possible.
Meanwhile, in Texas, Spencer Dutton awakens to a visit from Marshal Mamie Fossett (Jennifer Carpenter) and her team. They question him about Teonna, Kent, and Renaud, but he insists that he only wishes to return home. Upon hearing that home is in Montana, Fossett expresses skepticism about coincidences, deciding that Spencer must accompany them to Amarillo.
Alex Faces New Horrors on Her Journey to Chicago
On the train, Alex waits for food but soon realizes that passengers must pay separately for meal service. Since she lacks the money, she is left without food. However, the servers take pity on her, offering her a temporary job in exchange for meals. She begins waiting tables and washing dishes in the train’s kitchen.
During one of her shifts, Alex accidentally spills tea on a man named Bernard Anthony (Chad Doreck). His reaction is aggressive and inappropriate. He demands that she dry his pants, refusing to let her remove her hand from his lap.
Uncomfortable and frightened, Alex pulls away and retreats to her room, where she meets her roommate Mary (Hayley McFarland). Mary explains the harsh realities of life in America. “You’ve got to make it, marry it, or steal it,” she tells Alex.
Their conversation shifts to Spencer, and Mary doubts Alex’s ability to handle the challenges ahead. “Mothers can endure anything,” Mary declares. This statement is reinforced by Elsa Dutton’s (Isabel May) narration, which highlights a mother’s deep and unbreakable instinct to protect her children.
The next morning, Alex returns to work. Before she leaves, Mary asks if she can bring back some bread for her children, as she can only afford one meal per day. Alex agrees to try.
As she resumes her duties, she continues serving Paul (Augustus Prew) and Hillary (Janet Montgomery), a British couple she had previously met. She joins their conversation, sharing opinions on currency and earning Paul’s admiration. He offers her a generous tip in appreciation of her insight.
Unfortunately, Alex must also serve Bernard again. He seizes another opportunity to intimidate her, taking advantage of her vulnerability. As she pours his coffee, he assaults her in full view of the dining car. Paul and Hillary witness the attack but hesitate to intervene.
Before anyone can react, Alex fights back on her own. She douses Bernard with hot coffee and strikes him repeatedly with the coffee pot. Her actions leave him injured and humiliated.
Alex is soon taken into custody and locked in a cell at the back of the train. When she tells the conductor that Bernard assaulted her, he dismisses her claim, stating that the Chicago police will decide her fate.
Uncertainty Looms for Key Characters
In Amarillo, Fossett and Spencer meet Marshal Hutchinson (Todd Terry). Fossett makes a phone call to Sheriff William McDowell (Robert Patrick), who confirms Spencer’s identity and acknowledges his Medal of Honor.
McDowell warns Spencer not to return home seeking vengeance, believing it will lead to unnecessary bloodshed. However, Spencer remains determined to hold those responsible for his brother’s murder accountable. He asks McDowell to inform his aunt that he is on his way.
Although McDowell urges Fossett to detain Spencer for his own safety, she refuses. Spencer has broken no laws, and she will not interfere. With no obstacles in his way, he secures a train ticket heading north.
Meanwhile, Banner Creighton (Jerome Flynn) and Clyde (Brian Konowal) arrive at the future Train Station. They dispose of Christy’s (Cailyn Rice) body, covering their tracks. At the same time, Lindy (Madison Elise Rogers) continues her search for another woman to entertain Donald Whitfield (Timothy Dalton).
Back in Chicago, the train arrives, and the police begin questioning passengers. Bernard presents his version of events to the officers, portraying himself as the victim.
When authorities come to take Alex, she demands that they hear her side of the story. Paul and Hillary immediately step in, providing eyewitness accounts of Bernard’s assault. Paul admits that he had considered intervening earlier but affirms that Alex had defended herself well.
The police decide to release Alex and take Bernard into custody instead. The officer advises Alex to file a formal complaint so that Bernard can be prosecuted. Before she can process the situation, she notices Mary and her children leaving the train with her baggage and money.
She chases them down and retrieves her belongings. Mary justifies her actions, insisting that Alex will only understand her desperation once she becomes a mother. At this moment, Alex reveals her pregnancy. She asserts that she already understands far more than Mary assumes.
Alex’s troubles continue as she learns that her train to Fargo has been canceled due to heavy snowfall. Alone and uncertain, she breaks down in tears. Paul and Hillary, witnessing her distress, offer to take her with them to Winnetka, a small village outside Chicago. Wanting a moment of respite, she agrees and follows them.
A World of Struggles and Survival in ‘1923’ Season 2
The latest episode of 1923 brings intense drama, testing the strength and resilience of its characters. Spencer and Alex continue their separate journeys, facing unexpected dangers and difficult decisions.
As Spencer moves closer to Montana, he encounters people who challenge his intentions and try to hold him back. Despite warnings, he remains determined to return home and seek justice for his brother’s murder.
Alex’s journey takes a darker turn when she faces mistreatment on a train. Struggling to survive, she takes a job in exchange for food but soon finds herself in a terrifying situation.
After standing up for herself against an attacker, she is accused of wrongdoing. Fortunately, the kindness of strangers helps her escape further trouble. However, her struggles continue as she learns shocking truths about trust and survival in a ruthless world.
Meanwhile, Teonna Rainwater and her companions remain on the run, trying to reach safety. Their path is filled with uncertainty as they evade those who want to capture them. Teonna’s father believes they can succeed where others have failed, holding onto hope despite the odds.
The episode ends on a suspenseful note as a deadly encounter unfolds. With gunfire and rising tension, the fate of certain characters hangs in the balance. The stakes are higher than ever, making each decision a matter of life and death. 1923 continues to deliver powerful storytelling, leaving viewers eager for what comes next.
A Cliffhanger Ending in Texas
In Texas, Pete searches for water but becomes disoriented. He spots a deer and follows it, hoping it will lead him to a water source. When he finally finds one, he realizes that Marshal Kent and Father Renaud have arrived first. They immediately give chase.
Pete’s horse struggles to keep up, and eventually, both he and his horse collapse. As tension builds, Pete and Kent fire at each other. The episode ends abruptly, leaving their fates unknown. New episodes of 1923 Season 2 are available every Sunday on Paramount+.
Also Read: ‘1923’ Season 2 Episode 3 Recap: A Journey of Struggles, Survival, and Tough Choices
